Bible Blog

I haven’t seen the sun in four days.

OK, I’m being a bit dramatic. But I’ve almost forgotten what it’s like to wake up to sun shining and birds singing. I wake up instead to wintery rain tapping my window. And it makes me want to do what bears do best and hibernate.

Should we all just call it quits for a few weeks, sip tea, and sit indoors in our pajamas? I wonder. I find myself dreading going out after work. All I want to do is feel cozy and lazy when it’s cold and dark outside.

Joy in the Darkness

Do you feel kinda “blah” during winter? Does the cold also get you feeling sad, tired, melancholic?

If you’re like me, it can be hard to find joy during this time of year. But there is hope! Something that’s helped me is finding ways to actually enjoy what the cold and dark has to offer.

With extra time indoors, we have more moments to rest. Why not take advantage of that rest? Spend a few minutes journaling each day, writing to God about things you’re thankful for. Grab some extra blankets on a weekend and cozy up to the TV. There’s no need to feel like you have to be running on all cylinders. Nature is taking a rest—why shouldn’t you, too?

I bet that when you take the time to let yourself rest, you’ll actually feel more energy. When you let yourself take the time to lean into the slowness of the season, you open yourself up to a new kind of joy. This kind of joy is slow joy. It’s more deliberate, thoughtful, reflective. All you have to do is take the time to rest and reflect on what you’re thankful for.

Want to soak up God’s joy today? Brew a cup of hot tea, take some deep breaths, cuddle up in a chair, and pray through these verses of joy with me:

Dear Lord, I feel down during this season. Remind me that it’s OK to feel a little sad or slower during the dark, cold winter.

God is our shelter and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken
    and mountains fall into the ocean depths;
even if the seas roar and rage,
    and the hills are shaken by the violence. — Psalm 46:1-3 (GNTD)

God, give me the space and willingness to truly rest. Help me not feel guilty about taking some time out this winter to sit and reflect.

May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13 (GNTD)

Will you please help me remember all the things I’m thankful for today?

In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. — Philippians 4:8 (GNTD)

Lord, I love you. Thank you for bringing me joy no matter what season I’m in! Continue to bring me the joy only you can give. Amen.

May the glory of the Lord last forever!
    May the Lord be happy with what he has made!
He looks at the earth, and it trembles;
    he touches the mountains, and they pour out smoke.
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
    as long as I live I will sing praises to my God.
May he be pleased with my song,
    for my gladness comes from him. — Psalm 104:31-34 (GNTD)